Expert: Charging from Home Meter May Cancel Out EV Savings

Hesham El-Ziny, editor-in-chief of Ahram Auto, has warned that a common mistake among electric vehicle buyers could wipe out the expected savings on running costs. The number isn't guaranteed. Real savings depend on how you charge, not just on the car itself, he explained during an interview with Hadir Abu Zeid on the "Kol El Abaad" program on Extra News.

Why Some Owners Never Feel the Savings

The reason is straightforward. When you rely on charging your EV from a standard home electricity meter, consumption rises noticeably, and the difference in your monthly bill may not match what you imagined before buying. El-Ziny said EV ownership becomes truly practical when you have a fixed place to charge at home, along with a dedicated meter for charging that lets you track actual consumption accurately.

The Ideal Setup for EV Owners

What does the optimal scenario look like? According to the editor-in-chief of Ahram Auto, it means having a private garage or a fixed spot where a charger can be installed, plus an independent electricity meter. This setup separates the car's consumption from the household's, making the math clear. El-Ziny compared an EV to a mobile phone — you come home, plug it in overnight, and start your day with a ready car. Simple and effective.

One Question Before You Buy

Before any purchase decision, El-Ziny says a buyer needs to ask one question: "Where will I charge the car every day?" If the answer isn't clear, ownership could become more of a burden than expected. The experience may be less comfortable and more expensive. This doesn't mean electric vehicles are inherently uneconomical, but savings hinge on available infrastructure, charging method, and daily mileage.

The Real Economics Are Beyond the Car Itself

The conclusion El-Ziny draws is clear: an EV can be genuinely economical, but achieving those savings depends on factors outside the vehicle. The user's infrastructure, charging approach. Daily driving distance — these are the variables that determine the real gap. Without them, an owner might end up paying more than anticipated. That is exactly the common mistake he warned against.